Do you have a child, niece, or nephew whose 12th birthday is coming up, and you wish to give them a present that stands out among your family and friends? If so, then there is nothing better than dirt bikes for 12-year olds. While many would suggest dirt bikes are not an ideal gift, I beg to differ.
Last year, I gifted my nephew (my sister’s son) a dirt bike, and since then, I have become the “best aunt in the world.” Dirt bikes are associated with dirt biking, an exhilarating sport that offers a perfect blend of outdoor fun, skill-building, and adventure.
If your 12-year-old wants to do something besides play video games, there is no better option. Riding a dirt bike will not only enhance your kid’s motor skills but also make them more powerful, headstrong, and independent. I can say this from experience. I have seen my shy nephew grow into a confident kid who no longer runs away from taking charge.
However, buying your 12-year-old a dirt bike is not like buying them a smartphone, computer, or PlayStation. There are a lot of things you need to consider. From safety, riding locations, and money to the best options available and more.
Today, in this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a kid a dirt bike. Let’s get started.
Why Dirt Biking?
When I presented my dear nephew with a dirt bike, I got questionable eyes from everyone present on the occasion, even my sister. I was literally asked by everyone what had gotten in my mind to get a child—”something like that.”
Well, for me, the answer was simple. We are all living in the era of technology reform. Kids of today no longer play outside or have physical activities like we used to. So, I thought, why not get them something that can be both fun and take them out of the house?
Dirt biking, apart from being fun and thrilling, helps kids learn balance, coordination, and responsibility. It is not only a great way to encourage outdoor activity but also to have a fantastic family bonding experience.
Finally, after my sister let go of her reservations, she and her husband always accompany their little champ to his bike ride, and I feel so good when they share their fun stories with me.
Things To Consider When Buying Dirt Bikes For 12-Year Olds
Purchasing a dirt bike is almost similar to buying a car for your teenage driver. You cannot treat it like you are buying something for someone your age. There are a lot of things that you must consider in order to ensure you are making the right decision.
Here, I have a list of key considerations that your potential choice must cross in order for you to spend your money on it.
Size and Fit
The foremost thing you must look out for is that the bike should fit your kid comfortably. The right size is crucial for comfort and safety. The seat height should allow them to reach the ground with both feet. Please do not be one of those buyers who say, “Their child will grow out of it.” Your kid needs to have easy access to the ground with their feet.
Most 12-year-olds are generally 4’10″ to 5’2″ tall, meaning they can fit well on a medium-sized dirt bike with a seat height of about 27–31 inches.
Engine Type
Generally, there are two main types of engines: 2-stroke and 4-stroke. The bikes featuring 4-Stroke are heavier but offer smoother power output, making them ideal for beginners. Whereas the bikes with 2-Stroke are lighter and have snappy power delivery, making them suitable for more experienced rides.
Engine Size
A smaller engine is typically safer for beginner dirt bikers. A bike with an engine size of around 50cc to 90cc is the one a 12-year-old can handle without breaking a sweat.
Refrain from going for a 110cc or 125cc bike. They sure do offer more power, but a beginner won’t be able to handle them. It will be like, instead of buying cars with best visibility for short drivers, you bought them a ride that was more suitable for a taller person.
Bike Type
There are two types of bikes you can choose from: trail and motocross. The trail bikes are best for beginners. They offer a good balance between power and control, with a focus on easy handling and safety.
Whereas, motocross is ideal for kids purely interested in racing. This type of bike offers higher performance and agility and requires a rider with more skills than a beginner’s.
Automatic vs. Manual
Automatic, whether electric or gas, dirt bikes for 12-year-olds are easier to handle for the first time. The manual bikes may seem a little tough at first, but they offer more control as your child progresses in their journey.
Weight
Weight is a major consideration when buying any vehicle, whether a dirt bike, boxy car, SUV, or even a pickup. For your young rider, the lightweight bike will be the best, as it is easier to maneuver by hand.
Suspension and Transmission
Go for automatic or semi-automatic transmissions and adjustable suspension, as they help beginners focus on riding rather than shifting gears and ensure a comfortable ride over various terrains.
Safety Gear
Along with the bike, you need to purchase various safety gear, like a helmet (a must-have piece of protection), gloves and boots (as they provide grip and protection), and body armor and knee pads (essential for off-road safety).
Maintenance and Care
As I have said above, buying your kid a dirt bike is not buying them a smartphone. You need to overlook the item to ensure its longevity.
Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping the bike in good shape. Teach your kid basic bike care like cleaning, washing, and checking tire pressure. The better they learn, the less intervention will be required from your side.
Price
You can buy dirt bikes for 12-year-olds under $300 all the way up to $3000 and even higher. The price of a bike depends on its make and model. The premium brand and model you choose, the more you will have to pay.
Riding Locations
Buying a dirt bike for your young child will only be fruitful if there are riding locations near your residence. You cannot have your kid ride a bike on public roads or in areas with heavy traffic. So, before you go with the purchase, look for designated dirt bike tracks or off-road parks nearby.
Popular Dirt Bike Brands for Beginners
Like when buying a car, you put a lot of thought into buying the right car brand that starts with Z or any other alphabet; the same goes with motorscooters. At present, the market is swarming with numerous brands manufacturing trail bikes, which makes choosing the right brand overwhelming.
To help you out, here I have some popular options known for their quality and suitability for young riders:
- Yamaha: This popular motorcycle brand is globally known for its reliability and durability. It offers a range of beginner-friendly bikes for adults and kids alike.
- Kawasaki: Kawasaki is another Japanese brand known for its powerful engines and models suitable for younger riders. If your kid is already a rider and wishes to take his skills a level up, this brand is for you.
- Honda: Honda is a trusted brand that boasts a long history of producing quality motorcyles, including motor scooters. If reliability is a bigger concern, no one is better than Honda.
- Suzuki: Suzuki Motor Corporation offers a variety of trail bike options for different skills and budgets.
Find The Top Gas Dirt Bikes for 12-Year-Olds
There are many options for kid-friendly motorbikes on the market. You can explore anything from budget-friendly options to extremely expensive ones. While the idea of buying something so extravagant yet thoughtful for your kid seems thrilling, finding the right thing is equally hard and frustrating.
I have been on the journey, and I can tell you that, at one point, I was about to drop the idea. Well, I am glad I didn’t do such a thing, and now I have a nephew who adores me even more than before.
To help you with your exploration, below are my top picks that I liked a lot during my research and think can be a great first-time riding buddy for your young champ.
1. Yamaha TT-R110E
The Yamaha TT-R110E offers a 110cc engine that is powerful yet manageable for young riders. It features a semi-automatic transmission, making it easier for first-timers to learn without worrying about the clutch. Plus, the electric start only adds to convenience.
2. Honda CRF110F
The Honda CRF110F is a perfect choice to gift to your little adult. Its 109cc engine strikes a great balance between power and control, and you get easy operation with an electric start. There is a 4-speed transmission with an automatic clutch, helping young riders focus on mastering basic riding skills.
3. Kawasaki KLX110
For your adventurous daredevil, the Kawasaki KLX110 is a solid choice. It features a 112cc engine that provides just the right amount of power for off-beat fun. One of the best features of the KLX110 is its low seat height, which makes the ride more accessible. There is also an automatic clutch that makes handling effortless, even for beginners.
4. Kuberg Young Rider Trial Hero
The Kuberg Young Rider Trial Hero is an impressive electric dirt bike for 12-year-old kids who are new to the entire thing. It is lightweight, eco-friendly, and features adjustable power settings, allowing you, the parents, to control the speed.
Tips For Beginners To Get Started
Buying your kid their first bike is almost as thrilling as buying them their first bicycle. However, this time you need to be more vigilant with your kid. To help your kid get started, here are a few tips that I think every parent can swear by:
- Gear Up: Ensure that every time your kid gets ready to have fun with their gas or electric dirt bike for 12-year-olds, they wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, boots, and protective gear.
- Start Small and Slow: There is no need for you or your kid to push it too hard. Start with riding on easy and smaller trails and gradually move to more challenging terrain as your child gains experience.
- Rider Training: If you think your child needs more professional guidance, you can enroll them in a dirt bike riding school or consider hiring a professional instructor for one-on-one lessons.
- Join a Community: If you do not wish to hire a professional but want your kid to have some dirt bike friends, you can have them join a local dirt biking club or community. The members can help your kid learn well and even give tips as necessary.
How Do I Get Involved As a Parent?
Riding a dirt bike is way different from riding a bicycle. Thus, as a parent of a 12-year-old who is going to begin their journey of overcoming tough terrain on a two-wheeler, you need to get involved. Simply buying a motorcycle and gifting it to your kid is not enough.
As a responsible parent, you can:
- Attend Riding Events: Dirt bikes are getting so popular among kids that many off-road parks host family events. They are a great opportunity for you to learn about this sport and meet other parents.
- Join Online Communities: There are several online forums, social media groups, or communities of parents whose kids ride dirt bikes. You can connect with them and share tips and advice.
- Take a Riding Course: You can consider taking a riding course with your child. This will not only be a fun bonding experience but can also help you understand the challenges your kid is facing and help them overcome them. This is how my sister finally got adjusted to the idea of her 12-year-old riding a scrambler.
- Supervised Riding: Never let your kid ride their bike all by themselves. Always supervise while they are riding, especially in the beginning days of their learning.
- Positive Reinforcement: Learning can be a tough task. Kids are bound to make mistakes, which can make them feel low or give up the activity entirely. Thus, as a parent, you need to be their cheerleader. Encourage your child at every step and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
- Be Patient: Learning to ride a dirt bike takes time and practice. You need to be patient and supportive. Your indulgence is a big necessity, so never lose your cool.
Additional Buying Tips
Buying a bike is an expensive event, and there are a lot of variables at play. While you need to take into account the key factors, there are some other considerations to know, which can be a little more helpful.
Here, I have some additional buying tips that are going to help you well with your purchase.
- Consider Used Bikes: Brand new bikes are without a doubt more expensive than used ones. If you cannot spend handsomely and want a cost-effective option, steer towards the used market. Used dirt bikes are way cheaper and can help you buy an unforgettable gift for your kid.
- Insurance: If you are going to buy a brand new ride, it is going to be expensive. Thus, you need to ensure its safety. As a kid’s bike, it falls under possession in your home. Thus, check into your homeowner’s insurance to see if dirt bikes are covered. If not, you can add it to add a layer of safety to your purchase.
- Local Regulations: To ensure your kid faces no difficulty using their dirt bike, it is better that you familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding their use.
Additional Safety Tips
A parent can never be too safe when it comes to the safety of their child. I can vouch for that, as I see my sister as the ultimate super mommy for my nephew.
You cannot ignore the fact that kids are clumsy. They are bound to fall and get hurt while riding their bikes. While you cannot prevent this additional part of their learning, you can be their perfect caretaker, both on and off the trails.
- Prepare For Emergency: While you accompany your kid to their learning, always have a first aid kit and emergency contact information readily available.
- Inspect The Bike: Before each ride, conduct a thorough bike inspection, from tires and brakes to chain and handles. If anything seems broken or rustic, cancel the ride and have the issue fixed.
- Riding Conditions: Never allow your child to ride their dirt bike in extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or snow.
- Proper Attire: Make sure your kid is wearing proper riding gear like a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and others before stepping out of the house.
Conclusion
Dirt biking can be an amazing way for your child to develop their physical fitness and confidence and finally be outdoors. This can be their first step towards building familiarity with vehicles.
However, you need to be serious while looking for dirt bikes for 12-year-olds. By prioritizing safety, engine size, bike height, and other bike credentials, you can gift your kid something that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
